Experiments in Texture

As hard as it is for me to believe, I have nearly filled my first art journal. I have to admit to having no idea what I am doing 90% of the time, but then again that is really part of the fun: making it all up as you go along! I see the journal as a big experiment, a place to test the waters of my creativity, to make mistakes, and to find out what works and what doesn’t (for me!)

So, in that spirit I decided to use the last two pages to explore an easy way to make texture on a page, referred to sometimes as the Saran Wrap method. For those who aren’t familiar, saran wrap is basically clingy plastic wrap, the kind you use to cover leftovers for the refrigerator. I watched this super quick video tutorial and then got to work (by the way, check out some of the other videos from the One Minute Muse. Inspirational.)

Basically, this technique involves dripping and dabbing inks or acrylics (mixed with a fair amount of water) onto a page and then setting a layer of saran wrap over the top, mushing it around, and then setting it aside until the paint/ink under the plastic dries (several hours to overnight.) Then you peel off the plastic to reveal the cool textures underneath. I like the effect, and it really could not be easier. I used acrylics, but I think next time I will try ink for a more transparent look.

A page covered with paint and saran wrap.

Some groovy texture!

Attempt two: the reds.

A detail from the red page.

To make these pages I played with acrylic paints, water, and plastic wrap.

I have to admit the first time I did it the paint was only partially dry when I removed the plastic (couldn’t wait) and I just let it dry the rest of the way uncovered. That was after about 4-5 hrs or so. The other I left overnight so it was totally dry.

I love the results of this experiment. You don’t have to know what you are doing, you just have to be brave enough to try new things and see what beautiful art you created. I have never tried this but of course I will now. Thank you
Big love
AJ :-)